Top Gear USA Premiere Aired Tonight: STUD or DUD?

Just don't work like British version sorry.

How would I rate Top Gear USA's premiere? Im sorry but I didn't even bother tuning in. I didn't want to waste my time so I thought I would wait to hear what my buddies here on Autospies thought and then tune in for the next episode.

After reading your comments: The verdict? I will catch it if I happen to catch it if there isn't anything else on...

Disregard that Escalade. I was going to ask you a question but posted my comment to you instead. My bad...

1) Rank each host in order of best to worst. Remember, its between Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara

Adam Ferrara would have to be first, followed by Tanner, followed by Rutledge...Tanner gave it a better try than he did for his other show on Speed Channel.

2) What did they do right and what did the program do wrong?

The program did the cameras wrong and the lighting as well. The cameras were too far zoomed in, the lighting was too bright and "Americanized" - that's how the show felt overall - overly "Americanized". The hosts were trying.

3) Will you be tuning in next week?

I have to tune in -_- I'll be providing reviews of each episode of TGUSA on my website Xtreme Illusionz at xtremeillusionz.com (admin please feel free to remove the link if you feel it is inappropriate.)

4) On a 1-10 scale, 10 being the best television show ever, where did the Top Gear USA premiere rank?

Top Gear USA's premiere ranked, sadly, a 3/10.

THe best thing about Top Gear UK is that the car is almost secondary to the personalities. The relationship between those three is priceless. The snarkiness, the rivalries, the humor and the sarcasm, while still being informative. All of that is missing in the American version. Stilted, too rehearsed, no spark. Meh. Maybe it will develop in time, but until then, I'll stick with Jeremy and crew.

1) Rank each host in order of best to worst. Remember, its between Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara


Ferrara, Foust, Wood

2) What did they do right and what did the program do wrong?
better interview, starting with a great try asking them whet he dose in his free time and not just ask about his old cars that he has owned in the past.
writing for the show needs to be more layed back and more adlib needs to be added.



3) Will you be tuning in next week?
Yes, i want to see some evolution of this show, remember the first and second season of BBC's version? it was nowhere near as good as todays topgear

4) On a 1-10 scale, 10 being the best television show ever, where did the Top Gear USA premiere rank?
i would say 5, lots of room to improve and i hope that it gets much better!

1)I can't really rate the hosts individually as they really didn't leave much of an impression on me other then one of them looks a bit like Kevin Smith.
Basically the hosts don't have the chemistry of Jeremy, Richard, and James nor do they have the humor. The bit with the Viper v. Cobra should have been a lot funnier, I don't think it was funny at all. Think Land Rover v. Tank. I think I laughed one time during this show and I laugh constantly during the BBC version whether they're being factual or entertaining as James would say.

2)There were quite a few things wrong
They didn't present The Stig very well, and the commentary during his lap was lacking and seemed a bit forced.
Again lacking in the humor factor and as someone said ealier the cars are generally secondary to the interaction of Jeremy, Richard and James.

3) Will I watch again?

Maybe if I remember in the next few weeks just to see if it gets any better.

4) on a scale of 1 -10 right now I give it a 4. There's quite a lot of room for improvement.

In my opinion the best host was Adam Ferrara. He was the most interesting and the most entertaining! Second was Rutledge Wood. He was witty and did an alright job as a broadcaster. Tanner Foust on the other hand seemed out of place and not very good at presenting! He is quite well known for his drifting, but not very well spoken or funny. I think Stacy David from Gearz would have been the perfect person for the job, as well as someone like Darrell Waltrip, and someone know as a car loving broadcaster!

The in-car film work was shaky and the filters and techniques the British version employs should have been used! The rest of the film work was good but still was lacking technique and a certain flair the UK version has! The first segment with the Viper and Cobra would have been better if not so scripted. The Lambo segment was good, but the host commentation was lacking cleverness.

I will be turning in next week to see if they can polish it up, but that will be the last time if they can’t tweak the format.

The UK version is my favorite show on TV, and I’d give the USA Top Gear about a 6/10, mostly due to the lack of having well spoken and charismatic hosts. All in all, I think the show has unbelievable potential, but will need to have the right hosts on board to make it work!

I just saw the first installment of Top Gear USA and was glad to see that it met every one of my expectations; a perfect example of low-brow American programming aimed at exploiting someone else’s innovation and success by way of a cheap and poorly constructed imitation without the remote semblance of originality or creativity.

The show comes off as just another car show, but this one is clearly rehearsed, somewhat forced and too scripted. To put it as succinctly as possible, Top Gear USA tries too hard to be something that’s already out there – the original Top Gear. And as a fan of the original, my sympathies and apologies go out to Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for American television’s latest attempt to bastardize the world.

My “top tip” would be that if you want to watch Top Gear and be entertained, watch the real Top Gear.

Hosts: Ferrara, Foust, Wood

Basically, they have the right idea... with very poor execution, they've got the challenges lined up, the competitions are right, the reviews are right, the stars are right etc...

the problem I found most annoying was the way it "sat on the screen" per se. It felt overly bright and zoomed in, that is true, but it also felt "too detailed, too HD"?? There was no feel in the shots, and no depth. They need the dark, semi black sky filters that TGUK uses. I believe that TGUK was mostly adlibed through season 10-13, and that the newer more scriped feel works there because its off of what they are and said.

The scripted feel is very forced here, nothing feels natural. They should really be letting these guys talk, without the appearance of even being filmed, that is the great stuff, because ClaTGrkson/May/Hammond, are almost the same off as on


Rating:
My other ratings:

Lost: 9.5
Modern Family: 9
Seinfeld: 10
TGUK: 9.9-10

TGUSA

Sorry.... 3.5

This show is nothing like it's British counterpart. One of the best things about the TGUK is the relationships between the presenters. Half the time all they do is take the mickey out of each other, all while informing on the cars they are showing.

TG:US is just trying to bring some money back to the US entertainment market by doing what they all ways do, taking a brilliant idea and doing it over yet making it well american.

They have taken a great show and tweaked it to not be exactly the same. HEY US, it doesn't work that way.

I have to say I watched this show but my attention was not on it. I doubt I will be watching again next week, and if I do it will only be because there is nothing else on and to see if it improves.;

Sorry guys you worked really hard but I am going to have to rate this a 3

1: Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and then Adam Ferrara

2: I cannot say much about it since it is only the first episode, but my biggest complaint would have to be the frame rate at which half the footage was rendered. The original top gear(uk) has a film look to it instead of a reality show look to it. The film look really shows off the cars much better if it were completely done in that mode alone with no other improvements I would still be excited to watch it every week. As for the hosts I am not feeling it yet, but I believe in time they will settle in. Not enough quick witted humor. Top gear (uk) is more of a visually striking art masterpiece with some pretty dang good hosts that is what I would like top gear us to be like.

3: Yes I will be tuning in next week and through out the entirety of the show because I am a real top gear fan and couldn't be happier that they decided to bring this show to America.

4: 7 right behind HOUSE(8), MONK(9), and Top Gear UK(10) as those are the only shows I watch, but with a little tweaking I think Top Gear US could reach as High as 9. It is true it will never be the same a TGUK. Us Top Gear diehards have watched the original top gear trio for far to long that no one could ever replace those 3 even on the UK version. Although I think it could easily be second favorite.

In conclusion there is going to be alot of haters, but they don't seem to understand that everyone else knows you can't get host chemistry like TGUK overnight in time it will come and I will still be watching.

well what can i say ,this is just a case of wrong wrong wrong. Im sorry u need a good set of personalites for this kind of show ,there is no chemestry here at all.Its like a bunch of overgrown teenagers but not funny and what the heck is with the jersy accent really? Not for a car show, please try again maybe Jay Leno or Dennis Gage at least they have personality and dont come off as errogant like the (jersy guy)on the show. There is a thin line and a certan formula that makes the origional show a hit no matter how smart or dum they act it just works.I give the show a 2 at best and its all due to the cast, history channel has the rite setup in the show just wrong guys. maybe inport some witty brits

1)
Ferrara was the best, Then Wood, and Foust was awful. I stopped watching Super Cars Exposed because of Foust, and he hasn't gotten much better. Ferrara and Wood might be funny in time, but they at least have some personality to start with.

2) What did they do right and what did the program do wrong?
They got the concept right, but the execution and chemistry of the hosts was poor. The Cobra vs Viper had potential to be an entertaining rip-off of the Apache vs Exige, but it felt way to scripted and lacked any real humor or excitement. The Lambo segment could have been better with a "series of challenges" instead of just a standing mile. I think that some of the uniquely American clips that were shown in the preview segment have potential. TGUK will probably never dive deep into American muscle cars, Trucks, or Dukes of Hazzard style antics. However all of these will fail miserably if the ability of the hosts to entertain does not improve. Top Gear is about entertainment; cars are secondary.

3)
My DVR is set to record it, so I'm willing to stick it out for at least the first season. I hope that it gets better.

4)
The premier was a 3. Most of the time I was more interested in identifying the Mojave desert filming locations than the actual show. The Ken Block / James May segment from TGUK and Lambo TGUSA segment were both filmed at Inyokern Airport. Countless car commercial are also filmed there.

I also dont think the lighting and frame rate was up to par ,and am fealing that an apology is owed to jeremy james and richard for this bad knockoff of the real thing. I got an idea if history chanel wants to do top gear then play the real thing,maybeask the bbc for some episodes to put on.

It didn't make sense. Three of the worlds finest road cars driven on a straight runway. The drivers didn't appear to be caressing and enjoying the finest of machines. Instead they appeared to be hanging on for dear life and grasping for shifts.

The cast, A typical owner / buyer of these cars would be one that had owned several sports cars over the years and worked their way up the food chain of cars, appreciating each increased level of refinement and performance. This format of just got my license now I'm dragging a Lambo doesn't fit.

170 mph Lambo fast? C'mon the Buggatti Veyron is fast at 250.

The show should have opened at one of the US's finest road courses with several fine American sports cars. A Corvette ZR1 on an american road course would have been a great way to open.

I tried to watch the entire thing but, I found myself cringing most of the time. When Buzz Aldrin came on for the celibrity test drive, that was the last straw; I decided to watch some cartoons.

I didn't find there to be much chemistry between the hosts. I think there was too much put into the show too soon. They should have just stuck to the basics, and provided subjectivity and objectivity on cars only. And as the program progresses, add in things like the celebrity test drive and/or interviews, and helicopter chases. I don't see the hosts garnering a whole lot of support from viewers.

Production values were good and their car choices were pretty outstanding. HOWEVER, all three hosts are terribly inarticulate when compared to their British counterparts. Telling the audience a Lamborghini "handles like it is on rails" is awfully trite. The hosts have no chemistry or personality. They made the presentations of a Viper and three Lambos borning! How is that even possible!?!

perhaps the 3 will gell over time, but this show was a dud. needs someone with the bombast of clarkson and chemistry between the 3 to make it work

I watched the show last night and all I could think is "Is that the best talent they could find for the show?" Ok, I will give this show a chance, but right now, I'd rather watch reruns of the Brit show than Tanner being his boring self on yet another show.

@Healeydays

I know I could name about five better presenters off the top of my head.

This comes down to politics and who producers must of thought would sell well, considering they had "closed" auditions from what I understand.

How would I rate Top Gear USA's premiere? Im sorry but I didn't even bother tuning in. I didn't want to waste my time so I thought I would wait to hear what my buddies here on Autospies thought and then tune in for the next episode.

After reading your comments: The verdict? I will catch it if I happen to catch it if there isn't anything else on...

I would vote this Top Gear like a 1 out of 10. It was a little boring, not like the UK version, but I think that it will take some time to grow. The first season of the current format of Top Gear UK wasn't that good as well, but just look at it now. Honestly, if anything needs to change, they would need to get rid of Rutledge, and change the talk show part to talk about the person and not about the person's cars. They also need to actually talk less about cars during the program, kind of like the UK version. Changes need to be made to survive.

Seen top G USA I commend them for trying I will not be as harsh as everyone else although I didn't like what ice seen. We know it's the first show ad we should realize chemistry doesn't happen overnight. Top g USA should try less to be like the UK version and find it's own groove, so congratulations for taking the first step but there should be about 300% improvement when the 4th episode is released. PS loose the farm boy checkered work shirts for something a lot cooler and modern.

While I won't comment about their clothing choice, you're right -- we actually agree on something -- regarding the show needing to have its own identity.

I want this program to do well but it seemed to follow the UK's method too closely.

You cannot copy a legacy and expect it to be just as good, especially when viewers will consistently make comparisons to the original, superb program.

The fog of war has cleared, I can see what Clarkson was doing.
Sell the Americans the rights, and when they produce a real stinker,
people will flock to the original.

Sneeky Brits!!!

1) Rank each host in order of best to worst. Remember, it’s between Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara
Adam, Rutledge, Foust
It’s not that Tanner is awful; he just doesn’t come across as comfortable in front of the camera. He can drive the pants off the other two presenters (and I can respect that), but perhaps he’d be better suited as the Stig. Adam seemed the most comfortable in front of a camera and even still the “big star in a small car” segment was brutal to watch. One thing I did notice is that the guys don’t look at the in-car cameras enough. When watching TGUK, the presenters are constantly looking at the camera making me feel engaged. In the US version, I felt like I was just watching a hidden camera spying on their conversation.
2) What did they do right and what did the program do wrong?
I believe the camera work was very good (not great)… One of the reasons the UK show is so good is that the camera work borders on artistic genius. The music and video inspire emotions in the car enthusiasts as they watch and they end up wanting more after it’s over. I just don’t get that feeling in the US version (or the Australian version for that matter).
The show suffers greatly from the untimely commercial breaks. It ruins the flow, and causes the presenter to almost hurry the skit through quickly. The show was probably only 42-45 minutes of actual footage, where the UK show is full hour… That allows for a much more laid back attitude.
The car reviews need work. The presenters need more time in the cars prior to the review. They can’t count on writers to do the talking for them; they have to open the compartments, use the radios, and work the seat recliners. Then they can work on their delivery and hope to be ½ as good as Jezza. I love when he reviews a car and has you hating it in the 1st half of his review, then spins it so that you have to have one by the end (or vice versa)!!!
3) Will you be tuning in next week?
Absolutely… I’m not going to let the 1st show spoil the series. If that were the case, then 350 Million viewers wouldn’t be watching TGUK today!! Besides, I’m a “petrolhead”… I watch Motorweek religiously, and that has to be the most boring show on the SPEED channel!!
4) On a 1-10 scale, 10 being the best television show ever, where did the Top Gear USA premiere rank?
Sadly I’d give it a 4. Kudos to the camera and editing guys, they did a splendid job for the 1st time out, but the chemistry between the presenters just isn’t there… yet.

Definitely a 3 or 4 on the scale. There were only a couple of chuckle-worthy moments during the Lambo test. I particularly liked the "Tupperware" comment and a few of the teasers for upcoming episodes show some potential.

The dialogue did seem forced and the "Big Star, Small Car" interview was bad.

On my scale, TGUK rates at least an 11. I don't see TGUS ever approaching that unless they allow it to be its own show instead of trying to blatantly duplicate the Clarkson-Hammond-May chemistry. It's the same thing as everyone copying Apple in smartphones and tablets.

I'll keep watching to see what happens, but would always prefer more of the real thing.

Glad to see two versions of my favorite car show! Tanner is the most knowledgeable, Adam the most personable, and Rutledge seemed extremely
grateful for the opportunity. Absolutely I will be watching every week to see if the American version stays true to the original. I rate the first show a solid 5.

1) Rank each host in order of best to worst. Remember, its between Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara

#1 Rutledge Wood - he had those funny quips that reminded me a little of the British humor I like in the original.
#2 Adam Ferrara - I love his standup. Not sure what kind of auto expert he is. The Brit version has 3 automobile journalists.
#3 He may be the most auto expert of the crew, but he lacks the personality of the other two, or any of the Brit hosts.

2) What did they do right and what did the program do wrong?

Helicopter v. sports car? Awesome.
They need to establish themselves a little more before they get bigger stars. Seeing big stars race is funny. It will take some time. Not sure if a show on the History channel will every do well with celebrities.

3) Will you be tuning in next week?

Yeah, sure. If I miss it, I am not sure if I'd notice. With the Brit version, I'm planning on buying the DVDs so I can watch the episodes again and again.

4) On a 1-10 scale, 10 being the best television show ever, where did the Top Gear USA premiere rank?

4. It's a good show. The best part of the Brit version is that is' not an auto show. It's a culture show that uses automobiles as the framework to make comments on culture. Will the US version do this or will all the subtlety of the Brit version become Americanized?

It's just not funny!! The UK top gear makes me laugh uncontrollably! There are times in every top gear UK episode where I have to close my eyes and cover my ears bc if i don't stop laughing I'll die due the the fact that I can't breathe! The US version of the show is okay. But it's not funny. Whenever the hosts crack a joke it almost always duds...It also feels like the hosts are faking their friendship, and there is no chemistry. They need to fix that. They should hang out more or whatever because when they playfully "insult" one another it just seems fake.

Also, one thing that makes top gear UK so funny is their pessimism! They build cars up, only to tear them down (because of something they find stupid) not all the time, but alot. Also I feel the US version doesn't go into depth about the cars.

About the Hosts, Faust is waayyy too nice of a guy. He's one of the Idealist/Happy/spritey types of people. I feel like someone needs to pick on him. I don't think he should be the lead though. I liken him most to James May or the really short guy. But I feel that he's the only host that should 100% stay.

Rutledge Wood, idk. Every time he speaks I get the feeling that he's hyperventilating. However, he seems alright. He could stay in the long run, but i'm not sold on him.

Adam Ferrara? Absolute rubbish. That's that.

In hindsight. They made the stig look lame!! I DIDN'T THAT THAT COULD BE POSSIBLE, but they somehow managed to pull it off.

5 of 10. I'll tune in next week only bc i'm hopeful it will get better. I'm sure not many others will

Stud or dud? How about "dead"? Boring, boring, boring. It's simply not entertaining. Hokey. Stilted. Lame. It's like a band of untalented teens put together by a producer.

Personally I hate Jeremy Clarkson for his snobby british ways. That being said this show does need some work but I didn't expect a 100% amazing show from the beginning as it was. I will continue to watch and DVR cause what's more awesome than watching these exotics and hot cars be driven like they should. If I see one it's going the speed limit or parked in an execs spot and driven 5 miles a day. AT least I can tune into hoonage in HD and get some sick engine sounds.

Ok, like most of you probably, I kept sitting there saying to myself "please don't suck" over and over again. I cringed when I heard one of the hosts describe a Lamborghini's handling in a cliche' manner such as "like it's on rails"....oh God please, you didn't. The shaking cameras during the in car shots were a surprising let down. I don't think I've even seen that on HBO's "Taxicab Confessions"! on a positive note, the racetrack seemed to allow for higher speeds in the straights which looked good on camera. Tanner is the only personality worth keeping. There's nothing like a smartaleck, sarcastic racecar driver personality! That's a good thing Tanner, not a criticism. The contest between the Cobra and Viper seemed really far fetched and unrealistic. The Cobra could have wasted them at any time from the moment of take off and the added drama only made it seem even more unrealistic. You're telling me that someone like Jerry Sienfeld, Jay Leno, or any number of real celebrity car guys that can actually drive a car, were unavailable to appear? It would appear that even they were affraid of the embarassment. I'll give it a few more weeks in the DVR but I have a feeling it might be gone before I delete it.

The very fact that Clarkson is a snob is what makes the British version great. I love how he dishes on the Porsche 911 for example.But the fact is the British show has been around for quite a while.The jounalists are seasoned vets who know one another very well. As for Foust,Wood, and Ferrera they don't really click yet. It remains to be seen if they will. But we have to give the show some time. The other problem is that the producers have simply tried to make the same kind of show as the Brit. The Greg Allman music is the same but tamed down, you still have the Stig and you have the star in a car. Therefore there is no originality to the American version at all. As tothe strengh of the American 3 Tanner needs a Paul Tracy as a foil to his personality. He is a little too deadpan. I did not find Ferrera at all funny. rutledge Wood could stay on because he has that nerdy quality to him. But until these guys really get to know each other the show is just not going to click.

EXACTLY what I have been saying. They need Paul Tracey on there to pick on Tanner. I loved their rivalry in Battle of the Supercars and how Paul always talked trash to Tanner and never cut him any slack.

Its obviously boring and blant compared to the original. Jesus Christ!! what were the producers thinking , casting stinks . they should have atleast thought of Tim Allen or christopher Titus , rather than that unkwon comedian.The fat guy and the other guy is ok but if this show has to be hit,will need a powerhouse like Clarkson.

As is I will rate 4.5

Its obviously boring and blant compared to the original. Jesus Christ!! what were the producers thinking , casting stinks . they should have atleast thought of Tim Allen or christopher Titus , rather than that unkwon comedian.The fat guy and the other guy is ok but if this show has to be hit,will need a powerhouse like Clarkson.

As is I will rate 4.5

The Stigs intro was horrible. the Big Star Small car was a cheesy name, and the track is nowhere near as good as the one on TGUK. You just can't really get a good sensation of the car being pushed. There wasn't even any body roll on the Suzuki Buzz was driving for crying out loud. He was going way too slow. I always look forward to the stigs intro on TGUK where Clarkson say "Some Say" I do think that if they get some NASCAR drivers to do stints like the motorhome race and the Airport service equipment race, car soccer and things of that nature it will be fun. They will have to say the rules are no contact and then they crash like TGUK.

It just didn't flow smoothly, too scripted and it looked like they kept forgetting lines and trying to add personality to written lines. It wasn't very natural. Tanner despite boring, did good and his personality was consistent, but the other two guys have no business doing sutomotive journalism. They can't drive. It didn't feel like a finished product. It had too many hiccups. Also the chemistry between the guys was non-existant. I was not impressed but it was better than watching motorweek. I', going to give it a chance and see if it improves. If they don't want to look like a copy, when they introduce the stig, they can say "Legend has it". They need to get better personalities. Like when Clarkson intro's the Stig, his tone changes. there isn't enough drama in the voices. Just a bunch of talking with no acting. TGUK will always be #1. They should have just aired that on spike TV. it would have been a hit in my opinion, especially with stunts like the Focus beach landing and the focus driving in the mall running from the vette. The U.S. version need some personality bad.

Just watched it on DVR last night after reading everyones comments.
I have to say it was better than I expected. You should judge the show on its own merits as if there were no UK version. With that being said as a show with automotive theme, I'm interested and will keep watching. The guys need to gel and that will only happen once they get to know each other over time. I watch Motorweek and sounds like a lot of us do. That has to be the worst show on TV but we still watch is because its about cars. So the US TopGear doesn't live up to the UK version yet, but its already the best auto related US produced show and will only get better once the personalties gel.

+1

I love both shows. The UK version is that dependable 16 season show that will give me the British humor I like to see, and the American Top Gear will let me see some good old fashioned American muscle. And you can't compare the shows because they aren't the same show, and on its own merits, Top Gear USA, might make 4 seasons. If I am wrong then I am, but either way we will still have Top Gear UK. Working and subscribing to DISH network, I watch both of the shows in crystal clear HD and its free with any top package. That might even make Tanner crack a good joke.